Ob"du*rate*ness

Obdurate \Ob"du*rate\, a. [L. obduratus, p. p. of obdurare to
   harden; ob (see Ob-)+ durare to harden, durus hard. See
   {Dure}.]
   1. Hardened in feelings, esp. against moral or mollifying
      influences; unyielding; hard-hearted; stubbornly wicked.
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            The very custom of evil makes the heart obdurate
            against whatsoever instructions to the contrary.
                                                  --Hooker.
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            Art thou obdurate, flinty, hard as steel,
            Nay, more than flint, for stone at rain relenteth?
                                                  --Shak.
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   2. Hard; harsh; rugged; rough; intractable. "Obdurate
      consonants." --Swift.
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   Note: Sometimes accented on the second syllable, especially
         by the older poets.
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               There is no flesh in man's obdurate heart.
                                                  --Cowper.
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   Syn: Hard; firm; unbending; inflexible; unyielding; stubborn;
        obstinate; impenitent; callous; unfeeling; insensible;
        unsusceptible.

   Usage: {Obdurate}, {Callous}, {Hardened}. Callous denotes a
          deadening of the sensibilities; as, a callous
          conscience. Hardened implies a general and settled
          disregard for the claims of interest, duty, and
          sympathy; as, hardened in vice. Obdurate implies an
          active resistance of the heart and will aganst the
          pleadings of compassion and humanity.
          [1913 Webster] -- {Ob"du*rate*ly}, adv. --
          {Ob"du*rate*ness}, n.
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